Football Superstition: The good, the bad and the dangerous!
Football Superstition Unleashed - From Willy Wonka to Fake Lucky Shirts
Taking control of your life one superstition at a time
I used to dismiss superstitions, but my perspective has shifted. Now, I find myself contemplating why people turn to them for comfort and how it impacts how we perform or deal with situations.
In a world where there are many uncertainties, the need for control is a universal trait. While we often enjoy the feeling of being in control, life doesn’t always match up with our desires. Sometimes, we must accept things as they are. This is where superstitions, sayings, and rituals come into play.
Billions of people in the United States and across the world are superstitious. A quarter of adults in the U.S. consider themselves to be so, and recent trends reveal that younger people are more superstitious than older adults. In fact, 70% of U.S. students rely on good luck charms for better academic performance.
The Allure of Superstitions in Sports
Footballers, known for their superstitions, engage in rituals that range from the quirky to the seemingly absurd. These beliefs, whether logical or not, play a significant role in shaping players’ mindset and the outcome of the game.
Take Kolo Toure, who insists on being the last player to enter the pitch in big games, believing it brings good luck. Yet, during a game between Roma and Arsenal, his dedication earned him a yellow card from an impatient referee.
Former player John Terry boasts an impressive repertoire of 50 rituals before a game. Amidst pre-game preparations, he dedicates time to specific music, wears the same lucky shin pads, and meticulously ties his shoelaces in a precise sequence. His commitment raises questions about how he manages to focus on the actual game amidst this elaborate routine!
Read more here about the other here!
Even football legend Pele fell victim to superstitions. After giving away a match shirt to a fan and suffering a dip in form, Pele believed his misfortune was due to the lost shirt. He hired a detective to find the shirt! The shirt was found, and Pele seemed to be back in form. But it later transpired that it was actually a fake; the detective never found the original. You’ve got to laugh!
Before every match, Sierra Leone international Malvin Kamara discovered relaxation and enjoyment in watching the 1971 film ‘Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory’. Claiming it calmed his nerves and brought him luck. One might argue whether his focus should be on match-day techniques and understanding the opposition. But who am I to disturb him from his thrilling film?
When Superstitions Lead To Fatality
In a tragic turn of events, the Zimbabwe Club Midland Portland Cement management team took superstitions to a perilous extreme. Players were told to bathe in the crocodile and hippo-infested Zambezi River near Victoria Falls to cleanse the team of bad spirits.
Not me, mate.
Sorry, No thanks, coach! I’ll miss that one.
Unfortunately, one player disappeared and was never found. His teammates noticed he was missing, and search and rescue looked, but his body was never found.
Growing up with superstition
When I was at school, I used to say, ‘Knock on Wood.’ My friends and I would knock on our foreheads! Instead of the wood! It was funny at the time. The saying is either ‘knock on wood’ or ‘touch wood.’ It means that in order for the thing you say to remain positive and for no ill to come to you, you should knock on wood but not your head — unless it is full of wood! Boys will be boys!
Read more here about how football consumed my world.
Another friend’s mum used to get really mad if he put his shoes on the table. Apparently, it would bring bad things into the house — I think bad spirits and bad luck. Probably just germs!
What about you? Do you have superstitions you remember from when you were young or have been passed on from generation to generation?
My Final Good Luck Thoughts
No matter your superstition, whether it’s as simple as throwing salt behind your back or the intricate rituals of football stars, embrace it. It’s all about mindset and the comforting feeling of having some control, even if it’s fragile.
What matters is that you are in a good place and feel positive about it. Also, it is always good to be mindful that you are practising something safe and will not lead to a fatality. Otherwise, no harm really comes from believing in something to help you control situations.
Have you ever found comfort in superstition? Maybe you have your own unique way of ‘knocking on wood’ or avoiding specific actions for good luck. Leave your comment. Let's get superstitions from around the world.
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